Should I Delete Internet Explorer?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You manage a modern Windows 10/11 environment where all required web applications run flawlessly in newer browsers like Edge or Chrome, and you want to reduce the attack surface.
• Good fit: Your organization has an IT policy that mandates the removal of unsupported software, and you have verified that no internal tools depend on IE’s proprietary features.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: Your workplace still relies on legacy intranet sites or line‑of‑business applications that only function correctly in Internet Explorer.
• Warning sign: You are using an older version of Windows (e.g., Windows 7) where Internet Explorer is tightly integrated with the OS and its removal could affect system stability.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Reduces exposure to known vulnerabilities that are no longer patched by Microsoft.
• Frees up system resources and simplifies browser management for IT teams.

Cons

• Potential loss of functionality for applications that depend on IE‑specific technologies such as ActiveX or legacy COM objects.
• May require additional effort to test and migrate web‑based workflows to a modern browser.

Decision Checklist

• Do any of your critical applications require Internet Explorer’s rendering engine or proprietary plugins?
• Is your operating system still receiving security updates for Internet Explorer, or has support already ended?
• Have you identified a modern browser that can fully replace IE for all your daily tasks?

Alternatives to Consider

Instead of outright deletion, you can disable Internet Explorer in Windows Features, set another browser as the default, and use Enterprise Mode Site List to allow specific legacy sites to render in a controlled IE mode within Microsoft Edge. This approach maintains compatibility while still improving overall security.

Final Recommendation

If you run a recent version of Windows and have verified that no essential workflows depend on IE, deleting or disabling it is generally advisable to enhance security and reduce maintenance overhead. If legacy dependencies exist, consider using Edge’s IE mode or keep IE only on a dedicated machine. For high‑risk environments, consult your IT security team before making changes.